Long ago, a great flood covered the earth. During this time, a brave muskrat dove to the bottom of the water and brought up a piece of land. A turtle allowed this earth to be placed on its back. As the wind moved in all directions, the earth on the turtle’s back grew, expanding into what is now called Turtle Island, or North America.

This creation story is a key part of Anishinaabe tradition.

Artist Teresa Altiman of the Walpole Island First Nation shared how it inspired her sculpture, The Big Turtle, which was installed in the River Commons on Friday, Sept. 6.

“That turtle holds a very important position for us as First Nations people,” Altiman said. “And here it is now, being held up by a powerful hand.”

Altiman developed the design years ago, creating sketches and a prototype modeled after a snapping turtle. Earlier this year, she had her first look at the completed piece and saw her vision realized.

“I was overwhelmed when I saw it. It’s one thing to design and dream of something and another to actually see it in reality,” she said.

The eight-and-a-half-foot sculpture features the great turtle — Gchi-mishiikenh in Anishinaabemowin — supported by an outstretched hand, carrying an eagle feather with the sacred colours of white, yellow, red, and black.

“I’ve seen it in pictures and online, but to see it in person, it’s powerful,” said Beverly Jacobs, senior advisor on Indigenous relations and outreach.

The statue now stands along Turtle Island Walk, which is lined with banners also featuring Altiman’s designs and plaques showcasing traditional teachings.

“This is, to me, very important to bring attention to the university moving forward on Truth and Reconciliation,” she said. “I’m hoping this will highlight those messages and help foster stronger relationships within the university.”

Zeke Moores, a sessional instructor in the School of Creative Arts and the sculptor who executed Altiman’s design, worked hard in his Walkerville studio to ensure that every detail — from the turtle’s shape to its texture and colours — matched her vision.

“As an artist myself, I wanted it to be as close to what she envisioned as possible,” Moores said.

Altiman had emphasized the “gnarly texture” of turtles, with their ridged and bumpy skin. Moores said the team hand-hammered the shell to reflect that quality.

“Her drawings were distinctly her style, and our goal was to preserve those elements in the sculpture. We wanted anyone familiar with her tapestries or other works to recognize the connection,” he said.

“When you share an idea, especially one you hope to bring to life, you put all your trust and feelings into it,” Altiman said. “The team that worked on the turtle has done a marvellous job — they’ve met my expectations and much more.”

She hopes the sculpture will inspire those who see it to feel the strength the turtle embodies.

“As First Nations people, we hold deep respect for the turtle and everything it represents. I believe it will have the same impact when it’s placed at the University,” Altiman said. “The turtle is so powerful, and I hope that when students and others see it, they’ll feel that power too — standing a little taller, walking with more pride.”

The University of Windsor will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30, with a ceremony at the statue and a flag-raising event. More details to come.

Watch a video on the making of the sculpture: